Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really get help by dialing only the three numbers, 2-1-1, listed on the front cover of the Senior Guidance Directory & Caregiving Handbook ?

Yes, 2-1-1 is the abbreviated telephone number used in many states throughout the U.S. as a point where people can link to services and talk to specialists for free, 24 hours/day. We suggest you tell them upfront that you are a senior citizen or that you specifically need help in assisting a senior.


I used to call Senior Guidance for help. Now they refer me to somebody else. Why?

A help line is no longer a part of Senior Guidance’s mission. As larger community resources became available, like the Care for Elders Access Network, 2-1-1, which is operated by the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast, it was no longer necessary for Senior Guidance to have a help line of its own. They now concentrate on publishing the Directory.

How do I use the Senior Guidance Directory & Caregiving handbook as a problem solving tool?

Examples of Common Problems

I need help caring for my dad. How do I even begin to find services?

The first step is to determine what your dad’s needs are. If you are uncomfortable making this determination, a variety of programs are available to help caregivers make this assessment. Refer to the following categories: Geriatric Care Management, Long-Term Living Strategies & Caregiving, Home Health Care Assistance, and Case Management—Nonprofit & Government Agencies.


My elderly mother needs non-emergency medical transportation. Is there a free or low cost transportation program that can help her?

View the category, Transportation. There are various programs that provide this service depending upon the area of town that your mother lives in.


My mother insists on still living independently in her own home. Where can I find those call buttons she can use in case she has an emergency or has a fall?

View the category, Emergency & Disaster Services. Emergency Alert and the Emergency Response System Programs are listed.


My parents want to sell their home and move. They do not know what the housing options are and they do not know if they have enough money to take care of their long-term needs. Where should they go for help?

View the following categories, Financial Advice/Planning, Housing Options, Insurance, Long-Term Living Strategies & Caregiving, and Social Security.


My mother will be 65 next year. What services are covered by Medicare?

A. View the category, Medicare, including the Medicare Chart. This chart details specifically what Medicare pays for and what your mother will pay for.